Fiorina began the speech discussing her experience as a student. She said she doesn’t remember who her commencement speaker was, but said she wanted Saturday’s graduates to remember her speech.

“I have given many speeches in my life all over the world, but you are honestly one of the most important and the most intimidating,” Fiorina said.

The former Hewlett-Packard CEO wanted to leave graduates with the lessons that she said she learned along the way.

“Whether you are volunteering or working for pay, don’t want for the perfect job, just get a job, any job,” Fiorina said.

Fiorina spoke about how she went from a secretary to the leader of a company. She said her ascent came from working hard and being ready when opportunity knocks.

“You will learn something from every job you have, about yourself, about the world around you and you will learn skills that will take you to the next job,” Fiorina said.

Fiorina said the journey to success won’t be easy. She said she experienced many personal challenges.

“I have waged a tough battle with cancer, and during that battle, my husband and I lost our youngest daughter, Laurie, to the demons of addiction,” Fiorina said.

Fiorina said Saturday’s graduates need to learn through struggles.

“When the tough times and the tears come, take comfort in the knowledge that these are part of every life, and know what I have learned: In the toughest of times also can come the greatest of blessings if we open our hearts to receive them,” Fiorina said.

Fiorina has been in New Hampshire since Thursday. She has no scheduled visits to the state during the next few weeks.